Travel Ideas

• Acapulco is rated as one of the top tourists attractions in Mexico.  It is also considered Mexico’s largest beach resort.  It is home to some of the world’s finest hotels, as well as many beautiful beaches.  Acapulco offers a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, fishing, golf, tennis, and scuba diving.   Boats trips are regular features of a trip to Acapulco.  Acapulco is also a great place for family vacations, as well as romantic getaways.  Many all-inclusive packages offer fun filled activities for couples and families, but at a descent price.
• Cancun is one of the world’s most famous resort towns.  According to the town’s history, a computer selected its location when the Mexican government was looking for the perfect location to build its newest resort.  Since then, Cancun has grown into a large community and one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations.  When looking for a vacation spot, many individuals automatically consider vacationing in Cancun.  Cancun is most known for its nightlife; however, that is not all that Cancun is about.  With nearby Mayan ruins, you can incorporate education into your vacation.
• Puerto Vallarta is another popular Mexico tourist attraction.  It is considered a tropical paradise. As with Cancun, there are a large number of local historical sites.  The Sierra Madre Mountains are home to a number of guided tours.   While on these tours, you can easily spot exotic wildlife.  Fishing and scuba diving are perfect daytime activities to engage in.  Puerto Vallarta is also known for its nightlife. There are many bars, nightclubs, and discos.  Another popular and great feature of Puerto Vallarta is the fine shopping experience.  You will likely enjoy shopping at many high scale boutiques.
• Mazatlan is famous as being one of the world’s greatest fishing ports.  The waters are known as being the perfect debt and temperature for fishing.   Some of the other popular activities available in and around Mazatlan include surfing, tennis, golf, and fishing.  It is also known for the malecón.  The malecón is a long winding stretch that runs through nearly the entire city and covers roughly five miles of beach.  Another great feature of Mazatlan is a celebration that is similar to Mardi Gras.  It is held before Ash Wednesday and lasts for five days.  This event often involves fireworks, parades, dancing, and music.
• Cozumel or the Coral Island is Mexico’s most populated island.  It is a popular attraction for who love to go snorkeling or scuba diving. This is due to the beautiful coral reefs that can be found underwater.  Cozumel is the ideal vacation destination for those who wish to see the ocean at its finest.
• Le Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa is one of the most popular beach resorts in all of Mexico.  Le Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa is located in Cancun.  The resort differs from other resorts in that it does not have a Mexican theme.  Instead, the theme is French. If you are interested in vacationing at the Le Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa, you will find a wide range of on and offshore activities. Popular resort activities include swimming, golfing, and beaching.  The onsite spa is ideal for travelers who just want to pamper themselves.
• La Jolla de Mismaloya is located in Puerto Vallarta.  Similar to the above mentioned Cancun resort, La Jolla Mismaloya has a French theme.  La Jolla de Mismaloya is most well-known for being a resort that caters to children of all ages. The resort is popular for its beachfront activities. These activities may include relaxing by the spa, swimming, or boating.  As with most other beach resorts, La Jolla de Mismaloya has an unlimited number of activities that are geared towards adventure lovers. These activities often included guided tours that require horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, or biking.
• The Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach is located in Cancun.  It is known as one of the most top rated beach resorts in the Cancun area.  The resort’s topnotch service is often hard to find at other area resorts. Aside from traditional beach activities, the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach is most well-known for its amazing, unique, and exciting adventures.  These adventures often include snorkeling, scuba diving, boat tours, sailing, and jet skiing.
• The Fairmont Acapulco Princess is located in Acapulco. The Acapulco area is most well-known for its wide range of landscape sceneries. Beaches, jungles, and deserts are all located within a sort distance of each other in the Acapulco area. The Fairmont Acapulco Princess is most known for its unique, but intriguing structural designs. The hotel is stocked with modern accommodations, but the structural designs of the hotel takes you back into time.  Onsite resort facilities include multiple pools, multiple tennis courts, a day spa, fitness center, and shopping center.
• The Westin Regina Beach Resort is located in Puerto Vallarta.  While the resort is most known for its golf accommodations, the beach area is just as spectacular. Aside from a golf course, onsite facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts, and amazing restaurants.  If you are looking for an adventure on or under the water, the Westin Regina Beach Resort may have just what you are looking for.  Popular water activities include swimming, boating, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Mexico is a popular vacation destination.  While a large number of individuals visit Mexico during the summer, there are many who choose to visit during the spring.  Many of these individuals are on spring break.  If you are like most college students, you may want to spend you spring break vacationing in Mexico.

One of the many reasons why Mexico is a popular vacation destination among college students is because of the legal drinking age.  Unlike in the United States, the legal drinking age is only eighteen in Mexico.  This law enables almost all college students to drink alcohol on their break, an activity that all enjoy.

While vacationing in Mexico, there are an unlimited nubmer of destinations that you can choose from.  If you are interested in partying, socializing, and spending time with your peers, you have a number of Mexico destinations to choose from.  You will find that many of these locations are beach resorts.

The most popular spring break destination in Mexico, if not the whole world, is Cancun.  Cancun is most famous for its nightlife.  Cancun is literally loaded with a large nubmer of bars and nightclubs.  If you are interested in partying the night away, Cancun is the place to do it.  Just a few of the many nightclubs in Cancun include the Bulldog Café, Dady ‘O, Margaritaville, Fat Tuesdays, and Senor Frogs.

Cancun is most known for its night life; however, you will need to find something to keep your days busy.  If you love the beach and all of the activities it has to offer, you will not be disappointed.  Along the beaches, you can swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, or toss a Frisbee around.  In addition to the activities found on the beach, you can also ride four-wheelers, take jungle tours, go horseback riding, experience an ocean cruise, or go snorkeling along the coast.

While Cancun may be the most popular Spring Break destination in the world, Mexico has a nubmer of other beach areas that you may want examine.  One of those locations includes Acapulco.  In many ways, Acapulco is similar to Cancun.  Acapulco has an active nightlife and other amazing activities, which can be found on or off the beach.

As with most beaches, while in Acapulco you can sunbathe along the shore, go swimming in the ocean, or participate in a nubmer of outdoor beach sports games.  In addition to traditional beach activities, you find even more to fill up your day, on and off the shoreline.  Just a few of the many activities that you can enjoy while visiting Acapulco include snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and participating in a Mexico fiesta.

The nightlife in Acapulco is often compared to Cancun.  You can spend your nights partying away in bars, nightclubs, strip clubs, or discos.  Just a few of the many bars in the Acapulco area include Mangos, One Dollar Bar, and Yuppies Sports Bar.

Whether you choose to spend your spring break in Cancun or Acapulco, you will have to make your plans ahead of time.  Your Spring Break vacation can be planned on a whim; however, many popular hotel resorts quickly fill up during spring break.  As soon as you decide that you are going to spend your break in Cancun or Acapulco, it is likely that you would want to make your travel plans right away.

When making hotel and travel accommodations, it is important not to make reservations with the first airline or hotel that you come across.  A large nubmer of resorts in the Cancun and Acapulco areas offer spring break packages. Many of these packages are designed to save spring breakers money.  In addition to searching for beach resorts that offer vacation packages, you may want to examine the deals found on discount travel websites. Many of these deals are similar to ones that you may find being offered by a popular resort.

With all of activities, services, and facilities found in Mexico, you are sure to enjoy your Spring Break. In fact, so many students enjoy their time there that they often return the following year.  Whether you what a simple vacation or to start a tradition, Mexico is the place to be.

Mexico is known for its pristine waters, pure white sand beaches, perfect tropical temperatures, and rich culture.  These are the reasons why many people choose to honeymoon in Mexico.

Whether you choose a Mexican honeymoon cruise or luxury resort, a Mexican honeymoon can be filled with romance. A growing trend is to plan a Mexican wedding as well.  Through the services of a professional wedding planner, you can plan for a complete package. This package often includes the wedding service followed by a honeymoon.  With some of the most popular resort locations in the world, Mexico offers a wide range of options for those who are looking for the perfect honeymoon destination.

A  Mexican cruise is perfect for a wedding, as well as a honeymoon.  You can plan for an adventurous and exciting luxury cruise ship wedding followed by your honeymoon.  There are many advantages to a luxury cruise ship wedding, such as cost and ease of planning.  The cruise ship may handle the wedding preparations, as well as the details.  You can find different cruise ship weddings by contacting any of the large cruise ship lines.  You will more than likely discover that the only downfall to a cruise ship wedding in Mexico is trying to persuade your friends and family members to join you for the wedding.

Choosing a honeymoon package in Mexico can consist of a cruise or a luxury resort.  With so many wonderful places to choose from, it may be a difficult decision to make.  You should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each package to help make your decision easier.  First choosing your honeymoon location may help make the decision easier.   Considering what type of activities you would like to participate in during your honeymoon is the best way to make the perfect choice.  You will also want to consider anything special attractions that you may wish to see.

Of course, no matter which type of honeymoon you plan, cost will play an important role in your decision. While examining costs, you may be surprised to find that there are number of affordable packages available for both cruise ships and luxury resorts.  With price comparison, the use of the internet, and your local travel agent, you can find a package that will meet your budget and all of your honeymoon expectations.

Top honeymoon destinations, in Mexico, include Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas.  Acapulco is one of Mexico’s top honeymoon locations.  It is very similar to Hawaii with its beautiful beaches and turquoise blue waters.  Puerto Vallarta is still one of the world’s top tourist attractions.  Fortunately, it is also considered one of the lesser populated areas in Mexico.  Puerto Vallarta can provide you with a wonderful environment for your honeymoon.  With cultural events, fine dining, and the beautiful Sierra Madre Mountains, you are sure to enjoy your stay.

Another top honeymoon location is Cozumel.  If you are looking for a secluded deserted island to spend with your new spouse, you should consider honeymooning in Cozumel.  You may feel as if you are the only couple on the island.  From Mayan ruins, to the majestic Nichupte Lagoon, Cozumel is a feast for the eyes.

As previously stated, selecting a honeymoon destination in Mexico may seem like a difficult decision.  By taking the time to compare of all your options, including the cost of each, you are sure to find the best Mexican destination for your honeymoon.

Anatomy of a Shoestring Adventure: Lots of Fun for Not Much Money

by: Jan Kovarik

Just like most people, my husband I live on a ?just barely? income. We?ve got ?just barely? enough to pay the rent, just barely enough to pay our bills, just barely enough to keep groceries in the ?frig, just barely enough to put a little bit into a savings account, and just barely enough to have a few ?disposable dollars? left over at the end of the month. However, with today?s prices our disposable dollars get ?disposed of? really quickly. There just isn?t much out there that you can do for entertainment that?s ?cheap.? That is, there isn?t much out there unless you know where to look for it, and if you know how, you can do it on a ?shoestring.?
We?ve been going on Shoestring Adventures since the day we got married. We never had much money to spend on splashy vacations, and even when we went ?on vacation? stretching our dollars was the rule. Over the years, I?ve learned how to stretch our money to cover all sorts of incredible ?road trips?—sometimes just for one day, sometimes for a whole week. Whenever and wherever we?ve gone, we?ve had experiences that ?money couldn?t buy.? The two dozen or more photo albums that are stacked up in my hall closet prove it!
There?s little point in me telling you exactly where to go, how to get there, or what to do when you get there. Since our Shoestring Adventures are tailored to appeal to us, they may not appeal to you. What I can share with you, however, is how to create your own Shoestring Adventure—one that is tailor-made to fit you, your family, your budget, and your interests. With a few simple skills, a handy collection of ?stuff,? and just a little bit of planning and preparation, you?ll be on your way!
Keep These Things Handy!
First, if you don?t have a really good roadmap for your state (or the state into which you intend to travel)—BUY ONE. I?m not talking about a simple map that?s got the major roads, like a travel atlas, I?m talking about one of those big paper roadmaps that you can never refold correctly. You can usually buy an excellent state roadmap in stores like Kmart, Wal*Mart, Walgreen?s, or any bookstore. Before you buy the roadmap, make sure that it has ?Places of Interest? marked on it. To verify this, open the map to the ?Legend? or ?Key? (where they explain all the symbols used on the map). Places of interest are usually marked with something like a red dot, a blue square, or the like. In fact, so many roadmaps that we?ve purchased use red dots that we know simply refer to interesting places as ?red dots on the map.?
Second, assemble a ?Road Adventure Kit? and keep it ready to go! You can use anything from a cardboard box, a plastic milk crate, a ?tub? (like a Rubbermaid storage tub you can buy at Wal*Mart), or even a nice whicker picnic basket. Personally, we use a crate; it?s easy to carry and it fits nicely into the bed of our truck (along with all our other Road Adventure items). You should start assembling your kit by including in your crate any or all of the following:
Binoculars
A roll of paper towels and a bottle of hand sanitizer
Picnic items (paper plate, plastic utensils, etc.)
A plastic tablecloth (like the ?disposable? kind you can buy for cheap)
A couple of big beach towels
A small first-aid kit
Insect repellent
A sharp knife, a can opener, scissors
Travel-sized games like Scrabble, playing cards, etc.
A gallon of fresh drinking water (be sure to refresh regularly)
A pad of paper, pencils, pens
A ?Road Adventure? log book
Your ?Road Adventure Kit? should be tailor-made to fit your family?s needs. If you aren?t big on picnics, the picnic items can still come in handy for fast-food meals like fried chicken or even burgers and fries! Eat your lunch outside in a park! You might be glad you have the tablecloth (public picnic tables are rarely anything close to clean), and the towels can be spread out on the benches so you have something clean to sit on.
You should also think about including in your kit personal needs (a couple of clean diapers for the baby, a box of facial tissues for runny noses, some feminine sanitary products for when you get caught ?unaware,? any anti-allergic medications that you might need, etc.). Be creative! Also, let your first few road adventures teach you what you need to have along. If you?ve forgotten something, make a note of it. The next time you are re-assembling your kit, be sure to add that item. Also, it helps to buy duplicates of things like the can opener and such so you can leave them in the kit and ready to go.
Find a ?Red Dot of Interest?
Here?s where the fun of planning a road adventure can come into play. First, you need to determine if this is a day trip, a half-day trip, a two-day trip, etc. Also, do you have very young children who might not do well on a longer car trip? If your trip limit is no more than a one-hour car ride one way, then look for places of interest within about 40 miles of home. Even though most speed limits on major roads are at least 60mph, never figure that you will actually average more than 40-45 miles in one hour?s driving time. You might even want to trace a general circle on the map around your home so you know what lies within your desired traveling distance. You can even draw incremental circles on your map to indicate one hour, two hours, etc., away from home. Just remember! You always have to come home, so make allowances for that when you plan your Adventure.
Once you know how far you can easily travel (and return), then you can start looking on the map. Look for those ?red dots of interest? marked on the map anywhere in the circumference of your desired travel radius. The places of interest usually have some short description next to them: ?Pioneer Park,? ?Children?s Museum,? ?Historic Home.? If there are no red dots, then look for towns you?ve never visited, or roads you?ve never traveled. We?ve often been pleasantly surprised at what we?ve found: a quaint little town with some interesting shops; a long winding rural road dotted with small farms or old homes and maybe a sign that says ?Fresh Honey for Sale? where we got a spontaneous ?tour? of a beekeeper?s hives; a historic landmark marked by road signs.
When there are no red dots, you can also do a little bit of planning ahead by phoning a local Chamber of Commerce. Find a small town, learn the area code (if necessary), and call directory assistance for the number to the Chamber of Commerce (better yet, surf the Web for a town website!). Ask what?s interesting in their town. So many small towns have their own historic museum, or other historic landmarks. Maybe all they have is a really great community park where the biggest tree in the county is growing!
Your places of interest choices can really be limitless. If small town parks or two-room county museums aren?t your thing, then first determine what things your family would find of interest. Surf the Web, call Chambers of Commerce, or visit your bookstore or library where you can find books of ?Things to Do? in your state. Your Adventure can be anything that will take you away from home for the day and create a delightful memory for your whole family!
If you have children who are older than 5 or 6, then this is a wonderful opportunity to teach them how to read and use roadmaps. You can even let them plan their own Shoestring Adventure! If you have more that one child, then you can appoint a Trip Planner, a Navigator, and a Supplies Officer. Give them specific tasks that include finding a place to go (what is it, where is it, and how far away is it), how to get there (what roads you need to turn on, how many miles to travel before you get to the next turn), and what you will need to enjoy the day (like special clothing for outdoor activities, picnic lunch items, toys and games to enjoy in the car, pillows for sleepy-heads after a long day?s outing). Instead of telling them where you?ll be going, let them tell you!
I do need to caution you: be prepared for that ?red dot of interest? to turn out to be nothing. We?ve often tracked down dots that claim to be ?Historic Fort? or ?County Landmark? that have turned out to be nothing more than a bronze plaque on a rock at the end of a residential street. When that happens, we simply wander around wherever we are and see what there is to see. Sometimes we?ve happened upon local street fairs or windsurfing tournaments or a model train museum. Sometimes, too, all we?ve gotten out of it was a day away from home. When this happens, and if you?ve got disappointed kids in the car, then it might be a good time to find an ice cream parlor and treat them to a double scoop of peanut butter fudge ice cream!
Use your Road Adventure logbook to record everyone?s comments about the day. You can collect brochures, or restaurant placemats, or ticket stubs, and keep a memory album. If you take pictures, be sure to include a few! This can be a great basis for school reports for younger kids.
Basically, your Shoestring Adventures can be just about whatever you want them to be. Know in advance what your budget is, what will ?work? for your family as far as meals are concerned (whether you can pack a picnic lunch or stop at McDonald?s), and how far from home you can venture for the time you have for traveling and adventuring. Never plan more than you can comfortably do in a day. If the place has several interesting things to see or do, then plan several repeat visits. Cramming more than just a couple of activities into the day can put the whole family on ?Adventure Overload.?
I hope you enjoy your next ?Shoestring Adventure? and that you continue to get away and find those ?red dots of interest? that are marked on your map. Make it a habit to enjoy being together and experiencing new or different things!

About The Author

Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit http://www.janktheproofer.com for more information about Jan?s services; http://work-at-home.janktheproofer.com for work at home articles and free printables; and for work at home moms, visit Jan?s sister site http://work-at-home.momsbreak.com for articles, free printables, and work at home T-shirts and other fun products.
© Copyright 2004 All rights reserved.
jkproof@bellsouth.net

Mexico’s Riviera Maya: The New Caribbean Vacation Hotspot

by: Barry deCocq

Travelers who are looking for a fantastic all-inclusive resort destination that is priced far below most tropical destinations in and around the Caribbean should look into Mexico?s Riviera Maya. This area has fast become a very popular tropical vacation getaway for travelers from around the world. The Riviera Maya is located on the Caribbean side of Mexico and encompasses the stretch of coastline ranging from about 5 miles to 60 miles south of Cancun.
Don?t be misled into thinking that because you fly into Cancun to get to the Riviera Maya that it is anything like Cancun and its spring break, party-like atmosphere?it is far from it. The Riviera Maya has been set aside by the Mexican government as a semi-protected area, and as such it cannot become the touristy, high-rise resort type of destination you find in the Cancun hotel zone. Resorts can only be built 3-stories or less in height and they have to be constructed to embrace the surrounding vegetation, wildlife, and topography. It is a much more family-friendly and romantic vacation destination.
Resorts in the Riviera Maya are primarily all-inclusive properties. Because of the remote locations of many of the properties there are very few offsite dining areas. All-inclusive resorts give the traveler the benefit of having everything paid for prior to their arrival. All meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), non-motorized watersports, and other amenities are included in package prices. The more upscale all-inclusive resorts of 4-star and higher quality typically have many different restaurant options ranging from buffet to world-class a la carte cuisine?.all-included! Some of the more popular resort chains in the Riviera Maya include Iberostar Resorts, Palace Resorts, and Secrets Resorts & Spas. Resorts run anywhere from more family-related types of properties or resorts for the budget-minded to very upscale adults-only spa resorts.
One of the best reasons to choose the Mexico Riviera Maya for your next vacation is not just for the superb quality resorts and great value, but also for the fantastic tours and excursions that are available in around the Yucatan Peninsula region. This area is teeming with Mayan ruins and ancient architecture that are very popular with tourists. The most majestic of the local Mayan ruins are the pyramids of Chichen Itza. These incredibly preserved pyramids date back to 400AD and this awe-inspiring tour will leave with you many wonderful memories. There are many other Mayan ruins tours you can take as well. In addition to ruins you can also experience many eco-based tours that take you to game and marine preserves where you will find amazing wildlife and snorkeling that is nothing short of amazing. Another popular day-trip for those staying in the Riviera Maya region is the island of Cozumel. You can reach this quaint island by ferry from the town of Playa del Carmen located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. It is a short 45 minute ferry ride and once there you will find duty-free shopping, great dining, and some of the world?s best SCUBA diving and snorkeling.
If you have taken tropical vacations in the Caribbean or Hawaii and are looking for a new destination to go to the Riviera Maya is an excellent choice that will definitely impress and have you ready to come back to again and again.

About The Author

Barry deCocq is a co-owner and managing director of Tropical Sands Vacations (http://www.tropicalSands.com), a discount Mexico and Caribbean travel brokerage specializing in all-inclusive resorts. Contact at info@tropicalsands.com.
Re-print rights:

Need content? You may use this article on your website, or in your newsletter. Include the following sentence: “Article by Barry deCocq of www.tropicalsands.com”, with an active link to our web site at http://www.tropicalsands.com